Quick Analysis
JAWA BOBBER
7.5 pts
Unweighted: 7 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresOther
Benelli TRK 502
28.0 pts
Unweighted: 16 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | — | Liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 334 cc | 500 |
| Engine Type | Single Cylinder, 4 Stroke, Liquid Cooled, DOHC | 2-cylinder/4-stroke/8-valve |
| Power | 29.9 PS | 35kW at 8500 r/min |
| Torque | 30 Nm | 46N·m/6000 r/min |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.5 L | 20 l |
| Mileage | 30 kmpl | 25 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 185 kg | 210 kg |
| Seat Height | 740 mm | 835mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel | Dual Channel |
| Front Brake | 280 mm | Disc Front 320 mm Caliper - Front 4 Piston |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Forks, Ø 35 mm | USD Telescopic Forks |
| Rear Brake | 240 mm | Disc Rear 260 mm Caliper - Rear 1 Piston |
| Rear Suspension | Mono Shock Absorber, Gas Filled with 7-Step Adjustable Preload | Hydraulic Monoshock (Rebound & Preload adjustable) |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 100/90-18, 56H | 120/70 ZR17 |
| Rear Tyre | 140/70-17, 66H | 160/60 ZR17 |
| Tyre Type | Tube | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Spoke | Alloy |
Other Specifications |
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| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42bobbermysticcopper.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/trk502white.webp |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42bobberjasperred.webp | — |
| Bike Image 3 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42bobberredsheen.webp | — |
| Bike Image 4 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42bobberblackmirror.webp | — |
| Color Options | Mystic Copper Moonstone White Jasper Red Deep Black Matte Red Clad Black Mirror | — |
| Cons | Single-seat limitation: It cannot carry a pillion, which might be a deal-breaker for riders who need two-up capability. Stiff rear suspension for some riders: On rough city roads, the suspension may feel firmer than expected, especially at lower speeds. Engine heat in traffic: The 334cc motor tends to generate noticeable heat during slow, bumper-to-bumper riding. Limited practicality: The bobber design restricts storage options, luggage mounting, and everyday utility compared to standard bikes. Smaller fuel tank: Longer highway rides may require more frequent fuel stops. Slightly heavy in tight spaces: While stable on the highway, its weight can be felt during U-turns or slow maneuvering. | Its heavy weight becomes noticeable in traffic, tight turns, and situations where quick direction changes are needed. While the suspension works well for moderate rough roads, very broken terrain can feel harsh or less controlled compared to more off-road-focused bikes. Maintenance and spare parts may cost more than typical mid-segment bikes, making long-term ownership slightly expensive. The power-to-weight ratio isn’t the strongest, so riders expecting a very punchy performance may find it a bit slow when accelerating hard. It lacks some modern electronic features that newer competitors now offer, which may disappoint riders looking for advanced tech and connectivity. |
| Detailed Overview | Riding the Jawa 42 Bobber never quite feels ordinary — it’s a machine that makes a statement the moment you swing your leg over. The soul of this bike lies in its 334 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine. That’s not just a handful of numbers — it’s a heart that delivers smooth throttle response, and more importantly, a strong mid-range punch. In day-to-day riding, whether you’re crawling through traffic or cruising on a highway, this engine delivers usable power without needing to be pushed hard. The 6-speed gearbox, paired with an assist-and-slipper clutch, makes gear changes feel refined. In the city, that helps — when you’re changing gears frequently, the clutch bite is lighter than on many cruiser-style bikes, but you still feel solid when opening up on open roads. The fuel injection system ensures consistent delivery of fuel, which helps with efficiency and makes sure power comes smoothly, with no surprise jerks or hesitation. On the road, the bike feels planted. Its low seat height — just 740 mm — makes it easy to touch the ground when stopped, which is a great confidence booster if you’re navigating crowded streets or tight parking situations. The wheelbase is long (1,485 mm), which helps stability when cruising, but the bike doesn’t feel cumbersome because its kerb weight (~185 kg) provides solidity without being overly heavy. The balance between comfort and control is nicely struck. Suspension is tuned just right for mixed urban and semi-highway conditions: telescopic front forks and a mono-shock with 7-step preload adjustment at the rear give you enough compliance for bumps, while remaining firm enough to feel stable through turns or during spirited rides. The preload adjustment is a thoughtful feature — if you occasionally carry a load or ride over rougher roads, you can tweak things to suit. Braking inspires confidence. With disc brakes on both front and rear, and dual-channel ABS, the Bobber gives you reliable stopping power. Whether you’re easing off at speed or needing to brake hard in sudden traffic, the system helps prevent wheel lock-up, which adds a layer of safety that’s especially helpful for less aggressive riders. Fuel tank capacity sits at 12.5 litres — not massive, but enough for a fair mix of city use and occasional weekend rides. You’ll want to plan fuel stops if you ride long distances, but for daily use it’s quite reasonable. Ergonomically, the Bobber leans into a relaxed cruiser stance. The forward-set footpegs, wide handlebars, and low seat invite a laid-back posture that’s ideal for relaxed rides, not aggressive sporty cornering. The single-seat layout reinforces that cruiser identity — it’s clearly made for solo riding, and not for pillion passengers. On the practical side, the 42 Bobber includes a modern digital instrument console, LED lighting, electric start, and useful indicators like low fuel. These touches bring a classic-looking bobber into the modern age without spoiling the minimal charm — you get just enough tech to feel contemporary, without unnecessary frills. If you ask whether this bike is for someone who just needs a daily commuter — it could be, but it truly shines when you treat it as a style cruiser. It’s less about beating traffic times or getting the most for every rupee of fuel, and more about enjoying the ride: the growl of its exhaust, the planted feel at speed, the freedom of minimal styling. For someone who values character, presence, and the feel of a modern classic, the Jawa 42 Bobber is a compelling pick. | You swing a leg over the TRK 502 and you’re immediately aware that this is meant to be more than a city commuter; there’s a sense of presence, of readiness for longer roads. Under the tank sits a 500 cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine, running a DOHC layout with 8 valves. The bore and stroke (69 × 66.8 mm) and a compression ratio of 11.5:1 tell you that this engine is tuned for a healthy balance — it’s neither peaky and fragile, nor a torquey grinder. What you get instead is a smooth, flexible powerplant that builds revs steadily, giving enough grunt without being nervous or rough. At its peak, it delivers about 46.8-47.5 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 46 Newton-metres of torque at around 6,000 rpm. That output, in plain riding, doesn’t mean blazing superbike sprints. It means confidence: enough urge to overtake on the highway, enough midrange torque for loaded touring or two-up rides, and smooth throttle response for city or mixed-road use. The 6-speed gearbox with chain final drive feels just right — shifts are predictable and the clutch (wet multi-plate / slipper clutch depending on region) handles starts and slow manoeuvres without fuss. Because this is meant for touring and everyday versatility, the chassis and suspension are built accordingly. A steel trellis frame acts as the backbone — sturdy enough to keep the bike stable at speed, yet with a bit of compliance to soak up normal road irregularities. Up front, there’s an upside-down telescopic fork (about 50 mm) with around 140 mm travel; at the rear a preload- and rebound-adjustable mono-shock with around 45 mm travel. What that gives on road is a setup that doesn’t punish you over bad surfaces but remains planted: potholes, imperfect tarmac or rough stretches are dealt with gracefully, while the bike stays composed even when you ask for speed or load it up with luggage and pillion. Physically the TRK 502 is substantial — long and purposeful. Its overall length is about 2200–2220 mm, width around 915 mm, and height roughly 1450 mm (slightly more depending on variant). The wheelbase of 1505 mm gives it stable tracking on highways and at speed, but that length and mass mean low-speed manoeuvres require some care — U-turns, tight corners, or dense traffic will need respect and a bit of strength. The seat height — roughly 800-835 mm depending on model/market — places you in a commanding riding posture: good for visibility and control, but may feel tall for shorter riders. Ground clearance around 190 mm means you’re also not too worried about speed-bumps or rough rural surfaces. When it comes to stopping and safety, TRK 502 doesn’t leave much to complaint. Twin 320 mm discs up front (with 4-piston calipers) and a 260 mm disc at the rear — both with dual-channel ABS — give you solid braking power and modulation. In everyday traffic or loaded touring, you get confident, progressive braking rather than abrupt grabs or fade, which is exactly what you want when you’re carrying luggage or a pillion. Fuel-wise, the 20-litre tank (with a bit of reserve) gives a decent riding range. Fill up and you can reasonably expect to tackle long rides or highway runs without constant fuel stops — an important detail if you plan to use this bike for touring or inter-city travel. Combined with the engine’s fuel injection and tuning, the balance between performance and range is well-struck. On the feature front, the TRK 502 comes decently equipped for its class. The instrument console mixes analogue and digital readouts (tachometer + digital speedo/fuel/odometer/trip) — enough to give you all the essential info clearly without overcomplicating the dashboard. Lighting, electrics and ergonomics are oriented toward usability: the riding position is upright, comfortable for long hours; footpegs and rider triangle are such that you don’t feel cramped even after a few hours of cruise. For everyday commuting, that means less fatigue; for touring, it means more hours in the saddle without strain. When you take it out on the open road — open highway, winding roads, rolling hills — the TRK 502 reveals what it is built for: stability, comfort, and controlled performance. It doesn’t feel underpowered even when carrying luggage or with a pillion; the twin’s smooth torque curve helps you manage traffic or overtakes with ease. On rough or uneven roads, the suspension soaks up the imperfections, and the frame feels secure. The overall setup makes it a comfortable, confident companion for trips that are more than just short city commutes. But there are trade-offs. Because the bike is fairly heavy and long, jockeying through tight city traffic or congested lanes means you’ll notice the bulk — quick zigzags or tight U-turns are not the bike’s forte. Seat height and weight can be challenging for shorter riders or those new to big bikes. The power-to-weight ratio is modest, so while it’s confident for touring or leisure riding, it doesn’t give the “sportbike thrill.” If you push it hard — say, frequent hard acceleration with two-up + luggage — you may find that intense use exposes the limits of a 500 cc twin configured for balance, not brute power. Overall, the TRK 502 feels like what you’d expect from a middleweight touring-oriented motorcycle — not a race-bred machine, not a lightweight commuter, but a capable all-rounder that lets you ride relaxed yet with enough substance. It’s ideal for those who want a single bike to handle everything: daily commuting when needed, weekend adventures, city-to-city travel, even occasional touring with a pillion and luggage, all without demanding sport bike instinct or compromising comfort. |
| Expert Review | MotoAutiv Team | MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: What is the mileage? A: The mileage is around 26–32 kmpl in real-world riding. Q: What is the seat height? A: The seat height is 740 mm. Q: Can the Jawa 42 Bobber carry a pillion? A: No, it is a single-seat motorcycle designed only for solo riding. Q: What is the engine capacity? A: It has a 334 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine. Q: Does the bike overheat in traffic? A: No, the liquid cooling system keeps temperatures stable even in slow traffic. Q: Is it good for long rides? A: It is suitable for medium-distance rides but not ideal for very long touring due to its single seat and 12.5L tank. Q: What is the weight of the bike? A: The kerb weight is around 185 kg. Q: Does it have ABS? A: Yes, it comes with dual-channel ABS. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: The fuel tank capacity is 12.5 litres. Q: Is the Jawa 42 Bobber beginner-friendly? A: Yes, it is manageable for new riders, thanks to its low seat height and smooth power delivery. Q: What is the top speed? A: The top speed is approximately 130 km/h. Q: How many gears does it have? A: It has a 6-speed gearbox. Q: Is the maintenance expensive? A: Maintenance is moderate and similar to other 300–400cc premium bikes. Q: What is the warranty period? A: It comes with a warranty of 4 years or 50,000 km, extendable up to 6 years. Q: What is the on-road price? A: Depending on location and variant, it usually falls between ₹2.30 lakh and ₹2.60 lakh on-road. | Q: What engine does the TRK 502 use? A: It uses a 500 cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin DOHC engine with 8 valves. Q: What is the power and torque output? A: The engine puts out about 47.5 PS at 8,500 rpm and delivers around 46 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. Q: What kind of transmission does it have? A: It comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox and a chain final drive. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: The fuel tank capacity is 20 litres. Q: What is the seat height and ground clearance? A: The seat height is roughly 800–835 mm (depending on variant/market), and ground clearance is about 190 mm. Q: What is the kerb (or wet) weight of the bike? A: The bike weighs around 228–235 kg (depending on specification and additional gear/load). Q: What are the brakes and wheels/tyres setup? A: Up front there are twin 320 mm disc brakes with 4-piston calipers; at the rear a 260 mm disc. Both front and rear tyres sit on 17-inch alloy wheels, with tubeless tyres. Dual-channel ABS comes standard. Q: What is the claimed mileage / fuel efficiency? A: Mileage typically ranges around 30–34 km per litre (city and highway use). Q: What kind of suspension does it have? A: It uses a 50 mm upside-down (USD) telescopic front fork (about 140 mm travel) and a rear mono-shock with preload adjustability and around 45 mm rear suspension travel. Q: What kind of instrumentation and features does it offer? A: The instrument console combines analogue (tachometer) and digital displays (speedometer, fuel gauge, trip meter, etc.). It includes electric start, digital fuel gauge, trip meter, passenger footrests, and typical adventure-tourer ergonomics. Q: What is its top speed / performance potential? A: The top speed is around 160–165 km/h, and it can do 0–100 km/h in approximately 7.5–8 seconds depending on load and conditions. |
| Price Variants | | 193000 | | 662000 |
| Pros | Unique factory-custom look: The 42 Bobber stands out with its low-slung stance, chunky tyres, single seat, and retro-custom appeal that usually requires aftermarket work on other bikes. Strong low-end performance: Its 334cc engine delivers good torque early in the rev range, making city riding feel effortless and lively. Comfortable riding position: The forward-set footpegs and wide handlebars create a relaxed, cruiser-like posture suitable for long and easy rides. Good road presence: The bike’s muscular tank, floating seat, and overall proportions make it feel more premium and eye-catching than typical 300–400cc motorcycles. Adjustable seat: The adjustable seat height is a rare and practical feature, helping riders of different heights find a comfortable stance. Improved brakes and suspension: The combination of discs with dual-channel ABS and a well-tuned suspension setup provides confident braking and a stable ride. Modern features: A digital console, LED lights, slipper clutch, and USB charging add convenience without breaking the retro charm. | The TRK 502 is built for long rides, offering a relaxed riding position and a comfortable seat that help you stay fresh even after hours on the highway. Its suspension and chassis balance make it stable on rough patches, allowing it to handle mixed road conditions without feeling nervous. For its price, the bike comes loaded with practical touring features like hand guards, a large windscreen, good ergonomics, and a solid, confidence-inspiring build. The bike feels substantial on the road — its size and weight give it a strong presence, making it feel like a true adventure-tourer. The engine is smooth and predictable, making it friendly for newer riders while still offering enough power for everyday commuting and long-distance travel. |
| Starter | — | Electric |
| Transmission | 6–Speed | 6-speed |
